MUY NUTRIDA AGENDA

Top of the Agenda: U.S. Pressures Strauss-Kahn to Resign Speaking in Manhattan, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner urged the IMF to replace its chief (BBC), Dominique Strauss-Kahn, suggesting he can no longer perform his duties. The comments from the Obama administration come as Strauss-Kahn continues to be held in New York City without bail on charges of sexual assault. Geithner called for greater formal recognition by the IMF board that John Lipsky (WSJ), the fund's second-in-command, will continue serving as temporary managing director for an interim period. Although Strauss-Kahn has yet to resign, sources say the IMF is in touch with his legal counsel to discuss his future at the organization. With the fund's leadership position in serious limbo, initial discussions have already begun on naming a potential successor (FT). European leaders increased their calls for a continuation of the tradition that the IMF leader be from the continent. France's finance minister, Christine Lagarde, has emerged as an early favorite. Experts say the chances of developing countries to push for a non-European candidate will depend on their ability to support a single figure. China has said the position should be filled on the basis of "fairness, transparency, and merit," while officials in Brazil and South Africa assert the job should go to someone representing an emerging market (DeutscheWelle). Currently, the United States has the most votes within the IMF and will likely play a prominent role in selecting a replacement. Analysis: The arrest of IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn could hamper the fund's short-term ability to help manage the eurozone crisis but is not likely to harm the IMF over the long term, says CFR's Steven Dunaway. This op-ed for the Financial Times discusses the implications of Dominique Strauss-Kahn's arrest on the European financial crisis and the underlying economics of a recovery. The Brookings Institution's Johannes Linn writes that given the need for a strong, legitimate IMF to assist in managing relations among major global economic players, the leadership succession process must be fair, open-minded, and unconstrained by nationality. Multimedia The Wall Street Journal Europe editorial page editor Brian Carney explains the policy impact ofDominique Strauss-Kahn's arrest.

MIDDLE EAST: Syrian Tanks Crush Protests The Syrian military marched into the border town of Tel Kelakh a day after protests there called for an abrupt end to the Assad regime (Reuters). Having already imposed sanctions on top Syrian officials, the EU and United States warned of further action to halt the violent repression. In this op-ed for the Weekly Standard, CFR's Elliott Abrams discusses the deteriorating situation in Syria and the response from the White House. Egypt: Egypt's finance minister said the country needed $4 billion in loans from the IMF (FT) in order to fill gaps in public financing created after the overthrow of the Mubarak regime. Officials claim foreign investment has dried up, poverty is rising, and reserves are depleting rapidly.

PACIFIC RIM: China Forced to Ration Electricity Chinese provinces are forced to ration electricity (CNN) given rising global fuel prices, including the high cost of coal. Myanmar: Human rights groups criticized Myanmar's recent prisoner release program, claiming that the government is still detaining a majority of the country's 2,200 political prisoners (UPI).

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Al-Qaeda Replaces Bin Laden Pakistani sources claim that al-Qaeda (Guardian) has named Saif al-Adel, an Egyptian former special forces officer, as the new acting leader. Analysts suggest if the report is confirmed, the decision would be a major blow to Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden's long time number two. Pakistan: Pakistani police report that at least a hundred gunmen attacked an official checkpoint near the city of Peshawar (al-Jazeera). The ensuing three-hour melee left two police and seventeen attackers dead. Osama bin Laden's death has raised pointed questions over the legitimacy of Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. Four experts provide discuss whether, and on what terms, the United States should continue aiding Pakistan. Afghanistan: At least eleven people were killed and dozens more injured in Afghanistan on Wednesday during violent protests over a NATO raid (AFP) that killed four people, including two women. Protestors claim the assault killed civilians, while NATO says the attack targeted members of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

AFRICA: South Africans Head to the Polls South Africans voted in local elections that could have national implications, including a reduced influence of the nation's ruling African National Congress (AP). On his CFR blog Africa in Transition, John Campbell discusses the potential political implications of the South African municipal elections. Uganda: Long-time President Yoweri Museveni vowed to put an end to month-long anti-government demonstrations (Reuters) protesting against high food and fuel prices. Museveni blamed the police and judiciary for "too much laxity" in their response to the recent activism.

AMERICAS: White House to Pledge Mideast Aid President Barack Obama is expected to announce a new aid plan (WSJ) for the Mideast and North Africa in a planned speech this week. Insiders claim the plan could include debt cancellation and a reprogramming of existing financial aid.

EUROPE: New Euro Bank Chief to Face Tough Road Mario Draghi is expected take over the leadership of the European Central Bank (DeutscheWelle)this October at time of significant challenges for the eurozone. Insiders expect Draghi to maintain a hard line, including opposition to debt restructuring for the currency bloc's struggling member states. Russia: Russian president Dmitry Medvedev admonished the United States for its plans to construct a missile defense system (AFP) and reiterated his threat to withdraw from the new START disarmament agreement if the missile shield is deployed and operated without the Kremlin's input.